The Congressional Skin Cancer Caucus: Characterizing the inaugural decade of activity, 2013-2022
Authors: Aneesh Agarwal, Samir Kamat, Sumanth Chennareddy, George Hruza, Phillip M. Singer
Journal: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (2023)

The bipartisan Congressional Skin Cancer Caucus (CSCC) was founded in 2013 by 4 House members, with a mission to bring together US representatives to advance skin cancer policy and advocacy, with the potential to reduce mortality and costs.1Congressional Skin Cancer Caucus launchedMDedge Dermatology News.https://www.mdedge.com/dermatology/article/76099/health-policy/congressional-skin-cancer-caucus-launchedDate accessed: January 3, 2023Google Scholar Over the last decade, its membership has grown and the caucus is now co-led by a dermatologist in Congress. Caucus membership is voluntary and leadership often volitional or by recruitment; representatives join to support policy initiatives aligning with a common objective.2Eckman S.J. Congressional Member Organizations (CMOs) and informal member groups: Their purpose and activities, history, and formation. Congressional Research Service, 2019Google Scholar To understand the impacts of the CSCC over its inaugural decade, we conducted a retrospective analysis of activity covered by news from 2013 to 2022. We searched NexisUni, which is a public archive of news, business, and legal sources, for the skin cancer caucus. Duplicate items and those not discussing dermatology were excluded (Fig 1). Activities were analyzed using inductive, descriptive, and coding techniques.3Chandra Y. Shang L. Inductive coding.in: Chandra Y. Shang L. Qualitative Research Using R: A Systematic Approach. Springer, 2019: 91-106Crossref Google Scholar Two researchers independently analyzed results and created topic codes describing caucus activity. The researchers then compared their coding and finalized the codebook. Over the last decade, CSCC has brought attention to critical issues and promoted policies prioritizing the public, patients, and dermatological practice. Twenty-two activities, which involved some form of advocating or policymaking consistent with the CSCC mission, were identified. These fell into the following 4 categories: (1) skin cancer prevention (n = 8), (2) skin cancer awareness/education (n = 6), (3) tanning bed regulation (n = 6), (4) and other (n = 2) (Table I).4Library of Congress Congress.gov.https://www.congress.govDate accessed: March 26, 2023Google ScholarTable IRepresentative activities of Congressional Skin Cancer Caucus, 2013-2022TopicCountIllustrating activities and sponsored house resolutions∗Resolution details are accessible through the Library of Congress.4Skin Cancer Prevention8•Support following unanimous House approval of the Sunscreen Innovation Act (S. 2141), bipartisan legislation for more effective sunscreen products (2014)•Introduction of House Resolution #854 supporting federal, state, and local efforts to exempt sunscreen from medication bans in schools, and emphasize proper sun-safe behaviors (2016)•Submitted House Resolution #282, to reduce skin cancer through education underscoring the dangers of childhood sun exposure (2017)•Introduction of House Resolution #436 encouraging skin cancer prevention efforts for children (2021)Skin Cancer Awareness/Education6•Raise melanoma awareness in discussion with constituent public figure (2014)•Presence at National Cancer Prevention Day to make remarks at an event hosted by the LESS CANCER organization (2015)•Congressional Skin Cancer Caucus presence among advocates, scientists, doctors, legislators, and leaders in industry and academia at the Capitol, part of National Cancer Prevention Day (2016)Tanning Bed Regulation6•Call for nationwide tanning bed ban for minors following the reclassification of UV tanning lamps as class II medical devices (2014)•Letter to the Office of Management and Budget requesting release of the proposed rule, General and Plastic Surgery Devices: Restriction of Sunlamp Products (RIN 0910-AH14) to regulate tanning beds (2015)•Supporting the Food and Drug Administration's announcement of a proposed rule to restrict tanning beds to those aged ≥18 (2015)Other2•Formation of Skin Cancer Caucus (2013)•Congressional award received by caucus member (2014)∗ Resolution details are accessible through the Library of Congress.4Library of Congress Congress.gov.https://www.congress.govDate accessed: March 26, 2023Google Scholar Open table in a new tab The CSCC was most active in the years immediately following its establishment; activities included their presence at National Cancer Prevention Day events, discussions with public figures, and participating at educational health fairs. In recent years, CSCC has shifted away from physical events and toward briefings and policy advocacy statements, including house resolutions largely directed at education/awareness, prevention, and indoor tanning restrictions (Table I). Although initial emphasis was largely on tanning, recent actions reflect potential future objectives involving broader prevention (sunscreen initiatives, reduced sun exposure). Throughout, the CSCC has collaborated with public and advocacy organizations, including the Food and Drug Administration and American Academy of Dermatology Association. Although there have been great strides in skin cancer regulations and prevention, CSCC is well-situated to address the remaining gaps. For example, there is no current national regulation banning youth aged <18 years from indoor tanning, even as the Food and Drug Administration proposed such a rule in 2015.5FDA Proposes New Safety Measures for Indoor Tanning Devices: The Facts U.S. Food and Drug Administration.https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/fda-proposes-new-safety-measures-indoor-tanning-devices-factsDate accessed: March 26, 2023Google Scholar This has resulted in varied state and local laws and regulations. The recent focus on resolutions and rules by the CSCC may help reach consensus on this important issue, and continued efforts in educating Congress members on skin cancer could prove helpful. Additionally, as public engagement is critical to these objectives, increased use of social media may present a valuable outlet. Dermatologists can also further partner with the CSCC by encouraging Congress members to join and participate in sponsored events. CSCC participation may also enhance relationships with constituencies, including patients and patient advocacy organizations,2Eckman S.J. Congressional Member Organizations (CMOs) and informal member groups: Their purpose and activities, history, and formation. Congressional Research Service, 2019Google Scholar such as SkinPAC, which considers membership for scoring purposes. Through sustained activity in prevention and awareness, as well as further recruitment among lawmakers to allow advocacy impacts to reach broader constituencies, CSCC can continue to have positive impacts on public health nationwide. Dr George Hruza served as Chair of the American Academy of Dermatology Association SkinPAC until 2022.